Massie Pledges Vote on Epstein Files Bill
Rep. Thomas Massie vows to force a House vote on new legislation expanding access to Jeffrey Epstein-related records after losing his Republican primary.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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Rep. Thomas Massie pledged to force a vote on Epstein Files Transparency Act II, which he co-sponsored with Rep. Ro Khanna, after losing his Republican primary to Trump-backed Ed Gallrein. The follow-up legislation builds on the initial act that required the Justice Department to release Jeffrey Epstein-related files.
Why it matters
The bill would let victims and states sue the Justice Department for withheld files and require unredacted documents to be turned over to lawmakers within seven days of a request. Lawmakers have criticized the administration for not releasing all documents and for redacting information that should have been public.
Massie said 218 signatures would guarantee a House vote when Congress returns next week. The bill requires the DOJ to turn over unredacted files to lawmakers within seven days of a request, though it remains unclear how many members will sign on.
The players
Thomas Massie
Kentucky Republican congressman who has repeatedly clashed with President Donald Trump over the Epstein files, GOP spending bills, and the Iran war.
Ro Khanna
California Democratic congressman who co-sponsored the Epstein Files Transparency Act II with Massie.
Ed Gallrein
Republican candidate backed by President Donald Trump who defeated Massie in the Kentucky primary.
The details
Massie co-sponsored the legislation with Rep. Ro Khanna and said on X that 218 signatures would force a vote when Congress resumes. The act would allow victims to sue for files related to their cases and let states sue the DOJ for records relevant to state investigations.
Timeline
Tuesday: Massie lost his Republican primary to Ed Gallrein, who won the seat.
Next week, when Congress resumes: Massie plans to gather 218 signatures to force a House vote.
Legislative Context
The bill builds on the original Epstein Files Transparency Act by adding enforcement tools for victims and states to sue for withheld records. It extends a congressional effort to compel disclosure beyond the initial statute's requirements.
If the bill passes, victims and states could sue the Justice Department to obtain Epstein-related records withheld from public release. Lawmakers would gain a seven-day window to receive unredacted files from DOJ.
The takeaway
The fight over Epstein records has moved from executive disclosure into Congress, where a single signature threshold could decide whether lawmakers get a floor vote.
What happens next
Massie plans to gather 218 signatures to force a House vote when Congress resumes next week.
Further reading
Track more debates in Legislative Policy coverage across Congress.
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